Your guide to Cairo
Cairo highlights
Ancient wonders
No trip to Cairo is complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Be aware that there’s a fee to access the Giza complex and additional costs to enter the pyramids. Book a tour or a local guide in advance and plan to spend at least four to five hours exploring the area to get the most out of your visit.
Nile adventures
Whether you’re on a short break to Cairo or enjoying a longer stay, don’t miss exploring the Nile on a ‘felucca’, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Trips typically last a few hours with the option to add dining experiences. Or bring along a picnic and watch an unbeatable sunset as you sail down the river.
A walk through history
El-Moez Street in Old Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit during any trip to Cairo. Visit the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and the Cairo Citadel, home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years. Lose yourself in the Khan Al Khalili Market, sip mint tea at El Fishawy Cafe (open since 1771) and admire city vistas from the Bab Zuweila gate.
Cairo: Know before you go
| Language | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Currency | Egyptian pound (E£) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | November - March |
| Low season | June - August |
Find the best time to go to Cairo
Weather in Cairo
May – October: Egypt’s desert climate has a hot season and a cold season. Summers in Cairo can get toasty, though the shoulder months of May and October, when temperatures cool down at night, are more pleasant. The city also sees little rainfall, but the Nile keeps things humid, especially between June and August.
November – April: The cold season is fairly mild and warm. October to December are the most popular months to visit the city. If you don’t mind braving the crowds, you’ll enjoy high daily temperatures averaging between 21 and 30°C and cooling evening breezes. Be aware that Cairo can experience sandstorms between March and May.
Events in Cairo
Sham El-Nessim (April or May): Held on Orthodox Easter Monday, this ancient spring festival dates back more than 4,500 years. Picnic in the parks with locals, and try the traditional ‘feseekh’ (fermented mullet).
Wafaa el-Nil (August): This nationwide event celebrates the Nile and its role in Egyptian life. The two-week-long festival includes processions of boats decorated in flowers and lanterns, storytelling and traditional music and dance.
Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (October to November): Showcasing Egypt’s contemporary art scene, D-CAF takes over Cairo’s downtown for three weeks each year. Expect performance pieces, visual art installations and workshops in the city’s historic buildings.
The best neighbourhoods in Cairo
Zamalek
Located on Gezira Island, Zamalek is one of the best areas to stay in Cairo for Nile river views. An affluent neighbourhood, it’s packed with galleries, restaurants, boutiques and river-facing palaces. Admire the cityscape from Cairo Tower and steal a quiet moment in the Aquarium Grotto Garden. At night, catch a concert at the Cairo Opera House or indulge in sugar cane juice cocktails at Abou El Sid.
Good for: Galleries, restaurants, green spaces
Downtown
It’s all about culture and 19th-century architecture in bustling Downtown Cairo, the capital’s commercial centre and home to some of the city’s most famous sights. Admire the artefacts at The Egyptian Museum in El-Tahrir Square, stroll through the Baehler Passage, and grab lunch at Felfela. Crowded and bursting with life, this is a great area to stay for first-time visitors.
Good for: History, museums, shopping
Heliopolis
The historic suburb of Heliopolis is defined by its blend of modern and traditional architecture, with beautiful gardens, elegant boulevards and a plethora of upscale boutiques and cafes. Visit the Baron Empain Palace and enjoy tea outside the Aswan Cafe. With its proximity to the city’s international airport, Heliopolis is where to stay in Cairo for convenient travel.
Good for: Architecture, green spaces, upscale shopping
Things to do in Cairo
Beaches
While you won’t find any beaches in Cairo itself, you can get your seaside fix in Ain Sokhna, less than two hours away from the capital. Sitting on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez, it’s ideal for a day trip. Expect peaceful sands, dolphin pod sightings and excellent snorkelling among the coral reefs.
Shopping
With an abundance of ‘souks’ (markets), bazaars and excellent malls, shopping in Cairo is second to none. Make a beeline for Zamalek, where boutiques specialise in handicrafts and artisan goods, or explore the labyrinthine streets of Khan El-Khalili and its famous gold and spice markets. Need to escape the heat? Look no further than Heliopolis’ huge Citystars Mall.
Take in the culture
Once you’ve picked over the Egyptian Museum’s massive collection of ancient artefacts, explore some of the other museums in Cairo too. Head to Old Cairo for the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Abdeen Palace. For something totally different, stop by the Umm Kulthum Museum in Old Cairo, dedicated to Egypt’s most famous singer.
Nightlife
Despite the city’s strict alcohol regulations, there’s still a thriving nightlife in Cairo. If you are looking for a budget-friendly night out, you’ll appreciate the ‘baladi’ (local) bars serving beers and bites downtown. For a more typically Western nightlife experience, check out the scene in Zamalek’s hotel bars and rooftop cocktail lounges.
Places to eat
Between sightseeing adventures, refuel at one of the many street food stalls and restaurants in Cairo. Head downtown to Abou Tarek for ‘koshary’, Egypt’s national dish of lentils, pasta and rice. Or explore Zamalek’s wide choice of traditional and international restaurants. The Maadi area is also known for its dining scene, tempting visitors with family-run eateries, bakeries and hipster coffee spots.
Free things to do
Visit the Hanging Church in the Coptic Cairo area (part of Old Cairo) or admire contemporary art exhibitions at the Zamalek Art Gallery and the Aisha Fahmy Palace. Other free things to do in Cairo include the Al Azhar Mosque and Mosque of Ibn Tulun. But remember to dress modestly when visiting places of religious worship.
Get ready for Cairo
Budget
You can easily explore Cairo on a budget. Tuck into a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for about 200 Egyptian pounds (E£). And don’t forget all the delicious street food that can be had for even less. A cappuccino is around E£75, and a short ride in a taxi should cost about the same.
Day trips from Cairo
Beyond the famous Pyramids of Giza is the Saqqara necropolis. Among its many tombs, you’ll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the oldest pyramid in the world. If you want to escape the bustle of Cairo, travel about 90 minutes to the Faiyum Oasis, home to picturesque lakes, Greco-Roman ruins and prehistoric whale fossils.
Getting around Cairo
Getting around Cairo is easy by metro and taxi. The city’s cabs are usually metered, but it’s good practice to negotiate the fare ahead of time. Rideshare apps like Uber are also common. We recommend avoiding car hire on your visit to Cairo — the city’s traffic is legendary and not for the faint-hearted.
